Lent: Remi Tinubu, Governors Urge Compassion, Prayers for Nigeria

Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has called on citizens to pray for peace and prosperity as Christians begin the Lenten season, which this year coincides with the Muslim Ramadan fast.

In a message posted Wednesday on her social media page, the First Lady described Lent as a period for spiritual growth, reflection, and renewed commitment to love and unity. She urged Nigerians to use the solemn season to deepen faith, show compassion, and strengthen relationships while praying for national stability.

The Lenten observance began with Ash Wednesday and spans 40 days, excluding Sundays. It is one of the most significant periods in the Christian liturgical calendar, devoted to fasting, prayer, penance, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter, commemorating the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert.

Governors Emphasise Unity

The rare alignment of Lent and Ramadan starting on the same day has prompted similar appeals from several state governors, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, and Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.

Sanwo-Olu described the dual observance as spiritually significant for adherents of both faiths worldwide, noting that fasting teaches discipline, prayerfulness, and submission to God’s will. He said the simultaneous start of the two sacred periods should inspire peace and stability in Nigeria and beyond.

Abdulrazaq likewise said the coincidence signals a call for people of all beliefs to work together for harmony, unity, and development, urging faith communities to support government efforts aimed at improving citizens’ well-being.

Okpebholo described the moment as a profound spiritual opportunity for collective reflection and renewed commitment to values such as sacrifice, love, and peaceful coexistence. He encouraged Nigerians to seek divine guidance to overcome national challenges and build a more united and prosperous country.

The leaders collectively stressed that both Lent and Ramadan are periods of devotion and self-denial intended to foster moral discipline and spiritual renewal, urging Nigerians to use the season to promote tolerance, kindness, and national cohesion.